Monday, February 22, 2010

Mary Corey, Stripping and Hooking

Happy Monday everyone! It's snowing like crazy here in Michigan - up to 8" is what they're calling for. And wouldn't you know it - everyone is home - DH and the kids! ACK!!!!! But they seem to be keeping to themselves which is a good thing (a very good thing if they know what's good for them that is - LOL).

I've been stitching, sewing and hooking my heart out and I'm having so much fun. Cari left a comment about being a stripper and a whore and getting stitch ass daily! ! I loved that! LOL So that makes me, what? A stripper (quilting), whore (scissors) and a hooker (rugs)!!! And I do try to get my daily allotment of stitch ass in! Just don't tell my kids or DH what I'm getting into!

I finished Mary Corey this weekend after having to frog out most of it because, well.....I just can't read a chart. There was one symbol - a square - repeated in small, medium and large. Obviously, I couldn't determine what was what and stitched 1/2 of it wrong which resulted in a lot of frogging! UGH!!! I don't know why it is, but these smaller projects just befuddle me.

Mary Corey (aka Diaper Babies)

The Goode Huswife

30 ct. Apple Brown Bindy and DMC Threads

Distressed with Walnut Ink Crystals

This would have been a real quick, fun stitch if I could have read the chart!!! I tried my hand for the first time with walnut ink crystals and really like how it turned out! Bake in the oven for a few minutes, and TA-DA!!! I may still add a little over to the left side - not sure yet. I'm going to frame it pretty close to the design, so I don't think that's going to matter. Oh, and if you'll notice, that fruit basket is just a tad too close to Eve. I swore that I wasn't ripping out another stitch. I decided that the basket could be close at hand so dear Eve could reach over, grab that apple, hand it to Adam and get that party started in Paradise!

I have to thank everyone for their suggestions about the border on the quilt. I decided to go with it since I had all the pieces cut out. It turned out to be a biggie:

I have to thank my two helpers - Nick and Catie (whose polka dot robe you can see on the left) for holding this up for me. I do love how it turned out even with the borders. I was really on the fence with it and ended up staring at it for a couple of days before finally adding them.

So what to do next? Well, I threw another sampler on the scroll rods, but haven't much to show for it. But I did start cutting out the pieces for the Bullseye Quilt

This quilt is turning out to be so much fun. I still have the two piles of squares in the front to cut into circles, but I can see that I'm going to have a ball with it. I have to thank Kim for convincing me that even with my anal side, that I would have no problem cutting out circles freehand. She was so right!! I plan on layering this baby together this afternoon.

And speaking of quilts - you know, I just can't resist a good sale (I really need to stop trolling the internet!!!!). Anyway, these things just somehow ended up in the UPS man's truck and into my waiting arms this week:

The bundles are for a quilt called The Farmer's Wife. It's similar to Dear Jane, but not quite as labor intensive. It's a BOM (Block of the Month) so I'll have a smile every time these arrive in the mail. I don't have the book yet, but should soon and then I can get started. I think that I'm going to have a partner in crime with this quilt (waving at ya Kim). The tin in the back is for a Pineapple Quilt. I have wanted to do one of these forever. And looks what's inside:

You just have to love those rolls of Moda fabric!!! Quilty goodness!!! This may have to be the next quilt after the Bullseye. I don't know - it's going to derail my plans to get stash out of the way - but I'll have done two from stash, so time for something new me thinks! LOL

This is what I accomplished in rug hooking. I think that I have this baby crammed a little too much with wool. I also didn't outline the pumpkin sections, which I should have done first! But the beauty of this is that you can just pull the wool out and start over. Which I did after I sent this picture to Melody so that she could critique my work. She said that I've done good, but I did end up ripping this out and starting over. But I can tell you, I'm going to love doing this!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that snow nor sick kids keep me from going to this week's class. I really can't wait to get started (although I think I saw DH trying to get the credit card out of my wallet!).

One thing I forgot in my last post was to post something for Berit. We have gotten into a small discussion about the goodies that you can find at Marshalls/Home Goods. She liked the cabinet I got for my scissors and I told her that I found another goodie there the following week (DD's dance night and me having 2-1/2 hours of time to shop is deadly sometimes). Anyway, I promised to post my latest find:

I liked the keys okay, maybe not so much what was behind it. But then I saw that it opened up and that you can remove the keys and saying and that there were little hooks inside. I still may keep the keys but line it with another fabric - or, perhaps put some scissors in the lid or some stitchy something - the possibilities are endless, I think. And the hooks could hold fobs or small stitched pieces (whenever I get my butt in gear to make them)! So Berit - be on the lookout - I think it was just $14.99 - a deal in my book.

Well, that's it for me. Everyone is off to their own pursuits. DD's actually stitching BBD's Eiffel Tower and I hope to have pictures soon, plus she pulled out a needlepunch kit I bought her at Joanne's, so she may be giving me a lesson before the day is out. That is one craft I haven't tried yet. But until then, I plan on going down to the craft room and making myself dizzy sewing circles!

Thanks for all the lovely comments and suggestions again about the border of my quilt! It really makes me smile every time I read them. Wishing you a wonderful, stitchy week!!

59 comments:

Love, love, love your quilt. You did a fabulous job. It's just beautiful!! I've got the pattern for the bullseye quilt and want to do it. I just have to stop stitching, knitting, napping and eating for a bit to get started!! So many fun thing to do and so little time!

Love the cupboard you found. I found a cute case at Marshalls that was used for a cork screw, bottle stopper, thingy but one of the pieces was missing. $4.00 OMG- picked that one right up, tossed the inerds out and filled it with my thimble collection!! Amazing what we find isn't it?

Hey girl...have a great week. Stay warm and happy whatever you're working on!! Life IS GOOD!!

Hey, Deb, cool on the hooking. I am a hooker - in fact, I hang out with a bunch of hookers. We even carry our own bags that one of the group got us all for Christmas one year. Boy, you should see some of the looks I get when I carry that bag! And eyebrows used to raise when I'd say I couldn't make this or that meeting on Tuesday because I had to go meet up with the hookers. Just think, if you were to start a hookers group, couldn't you actually call yourself a Madam as well? Have a great time!

So many lovely projects--I'm envious. I can only manage a few cross stitch designs at once and then I move slowly with them. I'm looking forward to seeing what your rug hooking project looks like when you're done. Someday I am going to try that as well! Mary Corey looks great, too!

The quilt is beautiful! If I didn't have to squander my precious crafting time at work I would definitely take up quilting again. The fabric on the A & E sampler is fantastic too! I'm going to have to visit Mr. Google to see if I can find me some of those crystals.

Wow, so many wonderful pics. Love the quilt, I am so glad you added the border it's looks amazing! And Mary Corey is so adorable, granny pants and all - what's up with all the frogging? I'll have to really watch on that one.

I can't wait to see what Catie has been creating.

Love the cupboard, what a great bargain! Sadly, we do not have a Marshall's or Homegoods anywhere nearby. But I do love TJMaxx!

Wow'ser Deb, you're always so busy and creatively productive! I love the A&E. Originally when I saw the linen I'd wondered, is that the one Terri spilt the tea on, but no. Sorry you encountered frogs but the end looks great.

WOW - what a great post Deb - I don't know HOW you get so much done in between posts????? the quilt is awesome and the upcoming quilt projects - OMGoodness - Loved that box filled with the jelly rolls (see I told you I was spending too much time at the LQS) and Mary Corey - awesome! love the walnut dyeing you did - I'm envious of you being so adventurous with that. I can't wait to see another hooking update photo. Put in your darker lines on the pumpking and you'll be ready to fill - you are doing great! You'll be so ahead of the game when you make it to class! Enjoy - Mel

Love that quilt! The colors are exactly the ones I have been drawn to lately. But I think I've mentioned that a time or two here. ;-) The borders really set it off. I can't wait to see the quilt with the circles. I don't have any circles at all on any of my quilts. Have fun at your hooking class!

I'm actually jealous of your snow. We were supposed to get some tonight and tomorrow, but because it's 40 degrees all we'll have is rain, rain, rain, from 6pm tonight until noon on Wednesday. *pout* I do love rain, but I loathe it in the winter!! I want my snow dammit! *sigh*

I sent you an email re that bullseye quilt--Ho, boy am I getting excited over that one.

Love your tin with the moda rolls; that kind of thing is just what i like; so charmingly packed!

The border does look good. I think I'd have left it off, but it is such a BAQ (Big-Ass Quilt) with it on, and that's nothing to sneeze at! ;)

Love the quilt and Mary Corey both! Congrats! And oh oh oh! Where did you get that pineapple quilt tin? Oh how cool! I want I want! lol! I'm looking forward to seeing what this bullseye quilt is. And your BOM-- who can resist a BOM? I can't! lol! Great rug hooking! I'm getting envious now. :D Oh, and can I have that key cupboard thingie? :D I wonder if I could find it at our Marshalls.....

LOVE the quilty goodness! LOVE Mary Corey! LOVE the hooking! And yep...I'm your partner in crime! ;o) I should follow your lead and finally load up a sampler on my scroll rods. I still haven't tried my hand at getting the linen on those things, though I have a BAP just waiting to be loaded up.

Your Mary Corey looks great... I'm glad you stuck with her and got it done.Your quilt looks fabulous and I like the new quilt projects you have lined up.I want to be a Hooker too! But, I think I'll just have to live vicariously through your rug hooking adventures.

It turned out really well with the border!! When you see it all together, it doesn't detract from the middle at all, so I take back my prior opinion!

Oh my... please please please make that pineapple quilt after the Bullseye quilt. I need to live vicariously through your quilty goodness! :) Those rolls look scrumptious (don't they all?? Dang it!)! Which ones are they?

This post has so many goodies in it! I love Mary Corey and your quilt. Fabulous finishes! I've never heard of walnut crystals. I'm so excited to see your hooking! I hope that NOTHING keeps you from class this week. I think I'm just as anxious for you to start as I am!

Sorry, I forgot to ask you something about the quilt. I see some log cabin blocks but is this a pattern or did you come up with it? I just love the colors. If it is a pattern, who is it by and what is the name?

Well that quilt is just spectacular, it is lovely, lovely, lovely! LOVE IT!And your new ones that the UPS brought you DIVINE!And Mary Corey, spectacular!Rug hooking...you go girl!And bargain shopping on top of it?!I tell you - you are my idol!

Oh, the quilt is so beautiful! So glad that you like how it turned out! I agree, the border did give it depth!

I feel your pain regarding those smaller projects. No matter how hard I try those pieces are the ones where I make the most mistakes! And I do mean mistakes! I don't know what it is about them...at least now I know I am not alone!

Your other WIP's are coming right along and I look forward to seeing more progress pics!

While I did vote for you NOT to do the border, it does look perfect with it! As far as the stitching goes (because that's all I do!) I can't stand it when a chart uses such similar symbols. There are TONS to choose from, so why oh why would they use 3 different size squares?? Just to confuse the stitcher, I guess!

I'm soooo jealous that you're getting into hooking. If I could find a class around here I think I would give it a try...even though I told myself that I need another hobby like a hole in the head...or should I say pocketbook.

You're going to have to explain to this newbie x-stitcher about those crystal things. I love the vintage/aged look.

Oh how I just love your beautiful quilt!! I arhave always wanted to lea!rn to quilt and if my dh ever gets both cars so I can drive one, I would love someday to go and take a class!! I love all of your hobbies here and I am in Awe!! I am so glad you too are getting Autumn of Hawk Run Hollow. There is an Autumn of Hawk Run Hollow SaL on Facebook and I would love for you to join us. No deadlines or schedules. It is just a fun place for us to post our progress and comment. I will still need to get all the threads but tomorrow I will call in my credit card for the project and linen I pre ordered. Thank you for coming into my blog too! Debby

Love your quilt! Congrats on finishing Mary Corey even with a frog dropping by for a visit (one has visited me this week but I'm hoping he's hopped off!!). All that quilt fabric is yummy! Looking forward to seeing your upcoming quilt projects.

Hi there Deb! You are going to love making the Bulleye quilt from the Aunt Amy book. I have given classes doing this and all but one person loved rag quilts by the time they were done. It is so addictive that you will want to do more. I have done them with hearts in the same way also with squares but not cutting them up. Oh, just too much fun. Sitting here typing to you about it makes me want to run up to my studio and start another...lol.

The sampler is beautiful to spite your needing to frog. We have all been there. I have said before I would be done with all the frogging I have done on my first BRD saying I made. LOL! But I finished and (knock on wood) the second saying has gone together without a hitch so far.

Wow, just love your completed quilt Deb. I have been meaning to ask in the past, but where do you display your quilts? Lovely new Mary Corey finish too. You are certainly keeping out of mischief except for the stash lol. With my trip I bought the four Twilight books. Just so that you know I got them all. : )Alicexxx

Where to start! So many wonderful things on your plate.I love the way your quilt turned out! The borders are perfect, I'm so glad you added them! It is a big quilt! It's nice to have some big quilts for beds and snuggling up!Love your new quilt stash stuff. I love the Farmer's Wife quilt. I bought that book recently, and I would love to do it. I don't know if I can commit to do it with you and Kim, but I think as soon as you start, I'll be wishing I was on the band wagon. So many things to choose from!Love your little Key case. It's perfect for scissors! I wish we had Marshall's here.Have a great weekend! Many hugs.

Oh, Mary Corey is gorgeous! Small projects can be so daunting though, can't they? I think it's because you think "ooh, this'll be a quick stitch, I'll have it done in no time" and consquently, your mind sets to non-concentration mode.It happens to me all the time.

By the way, what's this about strippers, whores and hookers? I think you will be getting some very interesting visitors from a whoooole nother blogging community once they googling.

Congratulations on two finishes. The Diaper Babies turned out so great, and it's such a cutie name, lol. And your new finished quilt is such a beauty.And your new quilt plans are to die for. I get itchy fingers whenever I see those Moda rolls and all those quilt pictures although I know that I can't start a quilt right now. But one day I'll have enough time ...Have fun with your plans.

Mary Corey is fabulous. I love the look with the Walnut crystals!! And good choice putting the borders on your quilt - it's wonderful! I think I need more info about that Farmer's Wife BOM. Can't wait to see your Bullseye quilt too - you're a busy gal!

About Me

My name is Debbie and I'm a stay at home mom with two very active children, a husband and a crazed Golden Doodle named Bailey. My passion is needlework of any kind, especially cross stitch. I was introduced to this over 30 years ago and have not stopped since. I also love to quilt, needlepoint and knit. I'm a passionate reader and Sudoku nut too!